Rumors continue to swirl around Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner and his uncertain future with the team. A very public rumored deal between Toronto and Carolina that Marner shot down was heavily discussed at the deadline by fans and media. However, a new report suggests that there were also trade talks last season that would have involved the Vegas Golden Knights, with Vegas being the team to land Marner.
What Was the Trade?
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and The Athletic’s James Mirtle, the Golden Knights were involved in a nearly completed three-team blockbuster trade ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. The proposed deal would have sent Marner to Vegas, with Carolina’s Mikko Rantanen heading to Toronto. Carolina was reportedly the third team involved, although the specifics of what the Hurricanes would have received remain unclear.
Mirtle wrote in a recent article:
“But, according to league sources, there were also discussions around a Marner-to-Vegas transaction before the trade deadline this year, a move that would have involved the Hurricanes in a three-way deal. Theoretically, the Leafs would have received Mikko Rantanen while the Golden Knights got Marner and sent something to Carolina.”
source – ‘The 9 most intriguing teams of NHL free agency: What I heard from a buzzy draft combine’ – James Mirtle – The Athletic – 06/09/2025
The deal ultimately fell apart, reportedly due to Vegas and Carolina being unable to agree on the asset exchange. Nevertheless, the fact that these talks got close suggests that Vegas is serious about acquiring Marner this offseason via free agency or a trade to acquire his rights.
Are the Golden Knights Going After Marner?
Marner is a pending unrestricted free agent as of July 1. While Toronto has not publicly closed the door on an extension, growing speculation suggests that he will test the market and secure a deal that will pay him more than $13 million per season. Vegas is reportedly interested, but they would need to do some roster reshaping first.
Adding a player of Marner’s caliber would require the Golden Knights to shed significant salary. One name emerging in trade speculation is long-time fan favorite William Karlsson.
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